Save time at the pharmacy counter

Published:01:00Sunday 17 July 2011

NORTHUMBERLAND residents who qualify for free prescriptions can save time by thinking pharmacy first this summer.

Sunburn, travel sickness, diarrhoea, hay fever, constipation, indigestion and insect bites are just some of the common problems holidaymakers have to face every year. But support is at hand from community pharmacies, which are a one stop shop for summer minor ailments and illnesses.

Those on a low income or aged over 60 are entitled to the NHS North of Tyne’s Think Pharmacy First scheme.

This means they can go into a community pharmacy and have a private consultation, just like they would at their GP surgery, and find out if there is a remedy available in the pharmacy that they can have for free there and then.

Rosie England, associate director of medicines management at NHS North of Tyne, said: “We are delighted that people can use the scheme to go straight to their pharmacy to get free treatment for conditions related to holiday health including sunburn, diarrhoea and insect bites.

“It is much more convenient for people to go directly to their pharmacy rather than have to book an appointment with their GP and then collect a prescription from the pharmacy. It is so much quicker and easier.

“The campaign aims to help those patients who qualify for free prescriptions to have greater choice and better access to treatment for minor ailments.”